Muscular Dystrophy Canada is a nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well funded research.

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National Volunteer Week 2013: Thank you Fire Fighters

Canadian Fire Fighters have played an integral role for Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 1954. Since that time, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has been supported by more than 600 Fire Departments and Associations across Canada, who currently raise close to $3 million dollars annually – for a total of over $70 million since 1954. Each year, Career and Volunteer Fire Fighters give time both during their on and off-duty hours to organize Boot Drives, Rooftop Campouts, car washes, pancake breakfasts, magic shows, “Buck For Luck” campaigns, pub crawls, ladder-a-thons, raffles, and sporting events in support of an estimated 50,000 Canadians with neuromuscular disorders. Through education, support, and media relations they generate much needed awareness of muscular dystrophy like no one else can.

We thank them for being our heroes every day, and for making a difference in the lives of people with neuromuscular disorders. Here are just a couple examples of the amazing Fire Fighters who are helping make muscles move!

Greg Knight with London’s honorary Fire Chief Owen McGonigal

Greg Knight:

It all began in 1990 with a boot drive from the Blenheim/Harwich Fire Department. Twenty-three years later, London Fire Fighter Greg Knight would have to admit there are some flames that shouldn’t be put out. His commitment to assisting those affected with neuromuscular disorders has been unwavering since that first boot drive and his inspiration is drawn from the incredible people he has met along the way.

As Chair of the National Fire Fighters Relations Committee, he considers himself lucky to be surrounded by so many dedicated Fire Fighters from across the country and knows that with the strength of this committed group, there are possibilities for great things. In his own words, he has “committed for the long haul” to making sure all Canadians with neuromuscular disorders continue to know that Fire Fighters are fighting for a cure.

Mario Martin

Mario Martin:

For the past 11 years, Fire Fighter Mario Martin, Chief of Operations at the Longueuil Fire Department, has been in charge of organizing the Montreal Scott Skyscraper Challenge. Mario Martin is passionate about the Challenge and works tirelessly to organize and promote the event. Thanks to him, it has become a flagship event in the Quebec emergency services community going from 2 participants in 2002 to more than 500 in 2012! Thanks to his hard work, Quebec Fire Fighters are more dedicated than ever to finding a cure for neuromuscular disorders. As a Fire Fighter, using muscles is essential, which is why this cause is so close to Mario’s heart. He decided to use his muscles to climb the steps and give hope to thousands of people affected with neuromuscular disorders, but we think he’s using his most important muscle: his heart!